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Free agency is basically in the books, which means it’s draft time for every NFL team, save for a few signings here and there.
Teams filled holes during the free-agency period, but as players left other holes were created. So as we head to the draft, I wanted to pick out the biggest problem spot left for each of the 32 teams. Some teams clearly have more than others -- see the Cleveland Browns and the New York Jets -- but there are issues to fix on every roster. That includes the Super Bowl-champion New England Patriots.
So here are the problem areas for each of the 16 AFC teams, by division, as we move toward the April NFL Draft.
AFC East
Biggest need: Cornerback
The Bills lost Stephon Gilmore to the Patriots and released nickel corner Nickell Roby-Coleman, so they need help. Ronald Darby is solid as one starter, but the other side needs an upgrade. They could use a first-round pick on a corner, and it would make a lot of sense.
Biggest need: Linebacker
The Dolphins added Lawrence Timmons from the Steelers in free agency, but he has a year or so left where he can still play at a decent level. They re-signed Kiko Alonso, but they need help at the other spot. This is a position where they need to draft two at some point in the April NFL Draft.
Biggest need: Edge rusher
The Patriots traded to get Kony Ealy from the Panthers, but he had five sacks last year. They are hoping for more now that he’s in New England. Even so, they need more. Trey Flowers is a good player, but there is little other than that. Chris Long and Jabaal Sheard are gone. They will have to wait until the third round to find one since they don’t have picks in the first two rounds.
Biggest need: Quarterback
The Jets didn’t solve anything by signing Josh McCown and they clearly don’t seem to have any confidence in Christian Hackenberg and Bryce Petty. Do they use the sixth pick in the first round on a quarterback? Or does McCown buy them some time?
AFC North
Biggest need: Right tackle
The Ravens lost Ricky Wagner to the Lions in free agency, which was a hit. They have James Hurst there now, but he’s been just below average when he’s played in the past as a starter. Hurst started the season finale for Wagner when he missed the game and struggled. They need help.
Biggest need: Right defensive end
Since returning to the Bengals two years ago, Michael Johnson just hasn’t produced as a pass rusher the way the Bengals hoped he would. Carlos Dunlap is solid at left end, but they need to get a pass rusher -- or two -- in this draft. If they do, they can be really good again up front.
Biggest need: Quarterback
When the most important position is your biggest trouble spot on the roster, you have problems. The Browns have Brock Osweiler on their roster for now, but he isn’t the answer. Cody Kessler didn’t show he was last year either. So until they make a move -- Jimmy Garoppolo? -- or use a draft pick to upgrade, they have issues.
Biggest need: Pass rusher
Their scheme is predicated on big-time pressure off the edges. The Steelers have that now in Bud Dupree, and James Harrison can do it in spurts. But he is coming to the end and he can’t play an entire game. They need to give him a young player to mold behind him.
AFC South
Biggest need: Quarterback
Right now it would be Tom Savage as the starter for the Texans. That’s a major risk for a team that has a defense good enough to win a Super Bowl. They have to address the position, whether by trade for Tony Romo or signing him if he’s released or even drafting one early. This is a team with a major hole at quarterback.
Biggest need: Edge rusher
I know the Colts signed Jabaal Sheard, Barkevious Mingo and John Simon as edge rushers during free agency, but they could use another young one to build around for the future. That gets the pick over nose tackle, a position that needs a dominant inside player.
Biggest need: Offensive line
The Jaguars got left tackle Branden Albert in a trade from Miami, but he’s 32. They need a left guard, and right tackle Jeremy Parnell was just OK last season, coming on in the second half. They need to use multiple picks up front.
Biggest need: Receiver
The Titans have to give Marcus Mariota a big-play receiver outside to grow with in the next few years. They were mentioned as a team in the Brandin Cooks sweepstakes, but he was traded to New England. That tells you they want to get help for Mariota.
AFC West
Biggest need: Run stuffer
I know the Broncos signed Domata Peko from the Bengals, but he’s getting up in the years and they need more than him inside. They had problems against the run last year and nose tackle Sylvester Williams signed with the Titans. They need a big, powerful early-down player.
Biggest need: Inside linebacker
With Derrick Johnson coming off a torn Achilles tendon, the Chiefs need to get a young player inside who can run and hold up against the run. Ramik Wilson played well last season when he took over as the starter, but they need a thumper inside as well.
Biggest need: Offensive line
The Chargers signed Russell Okung from Denver to play left tackle, but he wasn’t good last season. Orlando Franklin at left guard has been a disappointment since signing two years ago, and the right side isn’t very good. They need to give Philip Rivers some help up front.
Biggest need: Inside linebacker
The Raiders had major issues at linebacker last season and were bailed out some when they signed Perry Riley, who was on the street. But a lack of speed showed up a lot in their scheme and they had trouble covering tight ends. They need to be faster inside.